By Danjuma Michael, Katsina

The Federal Government is set to establish a global cultural hub in Katsina State that would serve as a center for innovations, training, and capacity building for young Nigerians.

Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, made this known when she visited the state.

Already, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the ministry and the state government to set up the cultural hub.

Speaking, Musawa said, “The project will enable the government to unlock Katsina’s transformative power of arts, culture, tourism, and creative industries for sustainable development and social cohesion.”

She added that the initiative would restore and conserve Katsina’s historic sites, monuments, palaces, and artifacts while boosting cultural education and capacity building in local crafts.

She commended the state government for its dedication to preserving iconic historical sites, including the Gobarau Minaret (established in 1348), Fadar Daurama (dating back over 2,600 years), the Kusugu Well, and Durbi Takusheyi.

“The Renewed Hope Cultural Project was conceived to harness the immense creative potential of Nigerians, ensuring the preservation of our history in its most authentic form. This will drive local tourism, boost the economy, increase GDP contributions, and create job opportunities for millions nationwide,” she stated.

The minister also said, “Central to the project is the establishment of Renewed Hope Cultural Villages, which will feature Creative and Art Studios, Arts and Crafts Markets, Exhibition Centers, and spaces tailored to showcase the unique cultural expressions and craftsmanship of the state.”

Governor Dikko Radda, represented by the Commissioner for Rural and Social Development, Prof. Abdulhamid Ahmed, pledged full support for the federal government’s initiatives to revitalize Nigeria’s cultural sector.

“The state government will implement and sustain the agreements contained in the Memorandum of Understanding to preserve and promote the state’s cultural heritage and economic expansion,” he said.

Also speaking, Dr. Kabir Masanawa, Executive Director/CEO of the state’s History and Culture Bureau, pledged the bureau’s technical expertise and institutional support for the successful implementation of the project.